We’ve heard it over and over, but we’re in strange times. We should avoid going out and stay away from crowds as much as possible. Our kids are on an extended spring break and our work schedule has absolutely been impacted. The annual Orvis Guide Rendezvous to be held in Roanoke, Virginia this weekend was cancelled. Even Dollywood has closed it doors to visitors, so we’re trying to make sense of it all just as everyone else is.
Our son landing one of several trout at Tremont a few days ago
We’re fortunate to have wide open spaces to fish and hike just a short distance from our home. It’s not an exaggeration that we live about half as far from wild trout streams in the national park as we do a pharmacy. We have carried on with our normal everyday fun without placing ourselves or anyone else in danger from catching the virus. However, we are beginning to wonder how to maintain our guide operation.
We have continued to guide anglers as this is not a large group activity. To be completely honest about it, we’re trying to maintain a bit more space out of caution. A new protocol we may enact is not to share a car with our anglers to the stream to minimize close contact. We started that yesterday and may continue with that policy.
At the moment the national park has shuttered museums in the park to mitigate the spread of contagion among people in close quarters, but all trails are open. The outdoors have always been a source of peace for us so we hope this can continue, but are also aware that the park may be directed to shut down concession operations like tours, photo workshops, and guided fly fishing.
Stay safe and healthy and we’ll keep feeding you information about the Smokies and East Tennessee fly fishing as we can. This is new to all of us and together we’ll get through.
Jeff Kelly says
Just checking to see if you may have the ability to guide myself and my son a day or two at the end of next week. I understand all precautions and could use a good idea for a place to tent camp. I think the campsites in the park are closed. Jeff
Ian says
Hi Jeff,
That’s far enough out, yet not so far that I’d plan on much. We’re not currently booking anything because we provide care for our elderly parents. All facilities in the national park have closed although roads and trails remain open. We’re just taking a wait and see approach. Our intention is to follow all current guidelines while also anticipating further ones.
Our intention is to be as patient as possible. Stay safe out there!